Panama Canal Authority lowers draft restriction in Neopanamax locks

Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will bring the maximum draft limit for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks in the Panama Canal down from 50 feet to 48.5 feet from 28 March.

PHOTO: A Hapag-Lloyd container ship transiting the Panama Canal. Hapag-Lloyd

The port authority has taken the decision considering the current water level in Gatun Lake and how high the water is project to be in the upcoming weeks.

Vessels with drafts of more than 48.5-feet could still be allowed to transit after 28 March, but that will depend on the actual water level in Gatun Lake during their time of transit. If the water level is too shallow, vessels will need to trim or unload cargo in order to transit, ACP said.

ACP will continue to monitor Gatun Lake's water level and make adjustments to draft limits accordingly.

By Nithin Chandran

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